South Africa, the defending Rugby World Cup champions, have secured a spot in the semi-finals after a thrilling match against host nation France in Paris. The Springboks managed to edge out the French team with a final score of 29-28 on Sunday.
During a highly exciting first half, both teams scored six tries in total. France’s Cyril Baille (twice) and Peato Mauvaka found the tryline, while Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe, and Damian de Allende responded with tries for South Africa.
At halftime, France held a three-point lead, thanks in part to Thomas Ramos’ accurate kicking. However, the second half was a more error-prone and tightly contested affair, with only three additional points for France. Eben Etzebeth sealed the victory for South Africa with a fourth try, and Handre Pollard’s long-range penalty extended their lead.
On the other hand, South Africa’s win has propelled them into the World Cup semi-finals for the sixth time in their history. They now await the winner of the England versus Fiji match, which will take place at the Stade de France in Paris on October 21 at 8 PM BST.
France 28
Tries: Baille (4,31), Mauvaka (22)
Conversions: Ramos (5,32)
Penalties: Ramos (41,54,73)
South Africa 29
Tries: Arendse (8), de Allende (18), Kolbe (26), Etzebeth (67)
Conversions: Libbok (10,28), Pollard (67)
Penalties: Pollard (69).
